Films and television series hold an incredible power of immersing us in beautiful landscapes, regardless of whether the characters have cathartic or life-changing (in some cases, ending) experiences.
Eat Pray Love popularized a woman’s quest around the globe to find herself through food, Eastern spirituality, and romantic relationships. In the film, viewers travel alongside Julia Roberts to scintillating locations in Italy, India, and Indonesia, rich in history and natural beauty. In HBO’s Emmy award-winning series, The White Lotus, writer-director Mike White takes viewers on similarly fascinating journeys through Hawaii and Italy, albeit ones filled with lust, greed, and sinister overtones. These are filmed at some of the most inviting beach settings, with each scene bookended by the might and beauty of the crashing waves.
For season three of the critically acclaimed show, White said viewers could expect "a satirical and funny look at death and Eastern religion and spirituality” in the commentary following the season two finale. It would be interesting to look at the material, psychological, and physiological urges through the lens of some of the oldest religions on the planet, like Hinduism and Buddhism, that originated in Asia.
Would one of the characters hope to find serenity at a yoga retreat on the shores of the Maldives? Reconnect with their roots in a fishing village in Thailand? Or have an existential crisis while seeking enlightenment at a Buddhist shrine? More importantly, would one of the eccentric characters who met an untimely death come back reincarnated?
We will have to wait to find out; in the meantime, we can at least dream about potential sites where the next set of depraved individuals are heading to vacation for some earthly pleasures. Here are three seaside venues that are perfect for White’s cadre to descend upon to find sun, serenity…or ahem, sacrilege?
Maldives
In the finale of season two, breakout character Daphne (Meghann Fahey), alludes that their next getaway will be in the dream destination of the Maldives. Could it be possible that the gang could reunite in this South Asian island paradise?
Comprising more than 1,000 islands, this island nation in the Indian Ocean boasts some of the most picturesque white sandy beaches in the world and has a reputation for being a top wellness destination. The clear, warm waters and dazzling coral reefs of the archipelago provide the most thrilling snorkeling and diving experiences. And the island paradise has no shortage of high-end accommodations that typical White Lotus guests gravitate towards.
In the two seasons of The White Lotus, the Four Seasons Maui and Four Seasons Hotel in Taormina filled in for fictional White Lotus resorts. In the Maldives, Four Seasons offers several luxurious accommodations, with two island resorts, a liveaboard yacht, and an exclusive private island.
The Four Seasons Kuda Huraa boasts a beach sanctuary and romantic retreat complete with over-water villas, beach bungalows with pools, delicious Indian cuisine at Baraabaru Restaurant, The Night Spa and some of the best diving and surfing in the islands.
Situated within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru offers visitors an opportunity to experience the reserve’s natural wonders on snorkeling and swimming outings where one can get close to the majestic manta rays alongside those working to protect them. The AyurMa spa offers ayurvedic therapies to feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Guests can also participate in rehabilitating injured sea turtles.
The Four Seasons Explorer is a three-deck, 11-cabin liveaboard that can accommodate up to 22 guests, making it the perfect setting for the next season. The private charter takes guests on three or seven-night cruises to see sharks, shipwrecks, and caves. Onboard, guests can luxuriate with massages and gourmet dining.
Bali, Indonesia
Known as the Land of the Gods, one can witness intricately-carved ancient Hindu temples, dramatic forested volcanoes, and mesmerizing beaches all in the same journey to the tropical island of Bali. Balinese people practice a combination of Hindu and local beliefs consisting of gods, spirits, and demons, and karma plays an important role in their daily lives. There are more than 20,000 temples and, among them, the cliffside Uluwatu Temple, Pura Tirta Empul, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple,and Goa Gajah Elephant Cave are among some must-see places in Bali.
At the elegant Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay, situated along a three-mile sandy stretch of a calm bay, guests can choose from a number of villa retreats with pools and private lounges. There are plenty of opportunities to immerse oneself in the traditions and culture of the Balinese with onsite artist workshops, visits to the resort’s historical temple with an onsite priest, and treatments at the Healing Village Spa.
Guests can learn to prepare Balinese food at the Jala Cooking Academy, where many of the ingredients originate from the resort’s gardens. Other onsite activities include yoga and meditation classes, dance performances, and a kids' program, among others. At the Sundara Beach Club, guests can enjoy stand-up paddleboarding, bodyboarding, water biking, and surfing.
The Ganesh Cultural Center offers a chance to learn about Hindu rituals, ceremonies, and traditions through immersive experiences led by Balinese experts. For a closer look at the island’s religious roots, take a drive to the 9th-century Goa Gong Cave Temple, believed to have supernatural powers.
Koh Samui, Thailand
Koh Samui is a gem of an island off the east coast of Thailand, offering spectacular beaches, impressive Buddhist temples, opulent beachfront accommodations, and lively nightlife. Located a close distance to the emerald jewel of the country -- Ang Thong Marine National Park -- the island provides the perfect base for experiencing the archipelago’s 42 islands and its clear waters. There are several opportunities to enjoy the warm, tropical waters on boating, swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking outings in the marine park.
At the Four Seasons Koh Samui, it’s easy to understand why the island is called the Land of Coconuts, as it has the highest concentration of coconut trees in the country. Surrounded by towering coconut trees, taste the tranquility of pristine sandy beaches, lounging by the infinity pool with a tropical drink, or chilling on your own deck with views of the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Choose from a variety of pool villas; learn the art of the national sport- Muay Thai kickboxing-- in the open-air boxing ring, or relax with a Thai massage under the shade on the beach, when not out on the water. Spend the evening taking in the lively nightlife and shopping at Chaweng Beach and Bo Phut's Fisherman's Village.
An overnight luxury yacht charter takes guests to Ang Thong Marine Park while the onboard chef prepares delicious meals, including a barbecue on a secluded beach on one of the rainforest-fringed islands. A must-do is to visit a few of its impressive temples: Big Buddha Temple featuring a 39-feet-tall seated Buddha statue, Wat Plai Laem with its striking statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion, and Wat Ratchathammaram, also known as the Red Temple, surrounded by stone-carved snakes.